David Moyes was speaking after his side lost 2-1 to Bournemouth at Hill Dickinson Stadium
David Moyes refused to blame his players
David Moyes refused to blame his players(Image: Getty Images)
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David Moyes refused to criticise his players after a terrible eight minutes threatened to destroy Everton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe.
The Blues were ahead, in control and looking likely to increase their lead against Bournemouth when they conceded two poor goals and had Jake O’Brien sent off in the second half.
It was a familiar story for Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the club has failed to win since the beginning of December. And just like in several of those games, including the draw with Wolves and the chastening defeat to Brentford, the problems were largely self-inflicted.
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After the match, Moyes accepted it was like ‘Groundhog Day’ when the theme of recent home disappointments was put to him. But, while he said Everton only had themselves to blame, he stressed: “The players are doing a great job here, we just didn't have quite enough tonight.”
Asked how he could explain the miserable home form - which is in stark contrast to the stunning away form he has overseen this season - he said: “Playing good teams in the Premier League, we are playing them away from home as well. Bournemouth are a good team.”
Moyes refused to criticise the officials despite decisions surrounding Bournemouth’s second goal and the O’Brien red card appearing inconsistent to other high profile recent calls, later adding bluntly: “Referees are making their decisions so we have to go with what they say.”
Everton had looked set to climb above Liverpool after Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty gave them the lead on the cusp of half-time. Ndiaye had already hit the post and Thierno Barry had missed a glorious chance before the break.
Barry then saw another good opportunity blocked on the line as Everton started the second half brightly before Rayan and Amine Adli scored twice in three minutes to completely change the game.
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